The Africa Space Economy Conference and Exhibition organising Committee has announced its readiness to host the second edition of its yearly conference.

The event, which is held between June 17 and 19, is jointly organised by Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) and the National Space Research and Development Agency (NASRDA).

Speaking on the imperative of the conference, the Chairman, Organising Committee, Osi Imomoh, noted that the African space economy, which is an emerging sub-sector of the global space ecosystem, highlights the economic potential of space technologies in driving socio-economic development.

While regions such as Europe, North America and Asia have advanced rapidly in this field, he decried Africa’s backwardness due to challenges such as limited awareness, infrastructure gaps and the absence of robust policy frameworks.

He said: “To address these challenges, the Africa Space Economy Conference and Exhibition was conceptualised by NASRDA and ACCI. This platform fosters collaboration between governments, the private sector innovators and investors to drive growth in Africa’s space sector.”

With the theme, ‘Space Economy and Emerging Market in Africa’, the organisers said the conference would foster a dynamic platform for scientists, business leaders and policymakers to explore the rapidly growing space economy in Africa.

The objectives, according to the Co-Chairman of the Organising Committee, Dr Haruna Shehu, include providing platform for scientists in sectors that are critically reliant on space-based services and business leaders to brainstorm space economy practice and applications in Africa; foster innovation and stimulate interest in advancements in space technology as well as to provide investment and business opportunities for innovators, startups and investors within and outside Africa.

The maiden edition attracted over 350 participants, featuring impactful sessions, where participants secured valuable partnerships and deals. One of the standout achievements was the exclusive access to Nigeria’s next satellites granted to two participants of the first edition, demonstrating the real economic benefits of engaging in Africa’s space economy.

Some of the speakers expected at this year’s edition include the President of ACCI, Emeka Obegolu (SAN); Director-General, NASRDA, Dr Matthew Adepoju; Director, United Nations Office for Outer Space Affairs (UNNOSA), Ms Aarti Holla-Maini; the CEO, Proforce Galaxies Limited, Adetokunbo Ogundeyin and the Second Deputy President of ACCI, Prof Adesoji Adesugba.